Taxi drivers who ply the city's streets for a living have expressed concern over plans to hold demonstrations that are politically motivated and have no solid reason.
For them, demonstrations held in the capital threaten their source of income, especially with a decline in tourists flocking the country.
Taxi driver Abd Karim Musa, 60, told Bernama that his job allowed him to meet with lots of people and it was most unpleasant to hear tourists voice fears for their safety.
"It's embarassing when a tourist, who set foot in Kuala Lumpur for the first time, asked me if the city known to be peaceful and prosperous was actually like this during demonstrations such as Bersih last year," he said.
Mohd Salleh Mat Nor, 40, another taxi, said demonstrations organised by the opposition could not influence the public to support the opposition, which he alleged was known to be incapable of taking care of the people's welfare.
"We may not be highly educated but we realise that the government has provided much assistance to our people. Even taxi drivers like us are not neglected and are given tyre subsidy vouchers worth RM520 and Personal Accident Insurance Coverage," he added.
Bus drivers in the city also shared the same sentiments as they too suffered the negative consequences of oppostion-led demonstrations.
Metro Bus driver Wija Hadi, 40, said such activities were a nuisance.
"Do they not have better things to do? It is a nuisance. Because of a demonstration, everyone is stuck, roads are congested and we bus drivers are also burdened by this," he said.
Another bus driver, Shaiful Samsudin, 30, said he hoped the demonstration would be cancelled as it put their income on the line.
"We hope the demonstration is cancelled. There are many other ways to make opinions heard," he said.
They were commenting on the opposition's plan to hold a gathering, Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat, at the Merdeka Stadium on Saturday.
Bernama
Wed Jan 09 2013
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.